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Howard ineligible for Scotland

The SFA has confirmed that Barnsley's Brian Howard will not be allowed to play for Scotland.

Last Updated: 12/03/08 6:10pm

The Scottish Football Association has confirmed that Barnsley's Brian Howard will not be allowed to play for Scotland.

The midfielder is ineligible after it emerged he played in a competitive match for England at Under 16 level.

Howard, who scored Barnsley's winner at Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup, has been observed by Scotland scouts, as it was believed he qualified through his Glaswegian father.

Scotland manager George Burley had also confirmed he was taking an interest in Howard's performances.

However, although Howard's England appearances at Under 20 level were in non-competitive games, the SFA has been told by Football Association officials that the 25-year-old played in a Uefa game as an Under 16 international.

Accordingly, Fifa's regulations regarding the eligibility and release of international players prevent Howard representing any other national team.